# Sneaker flaws: which ones you can fix at home, and which you can't? **URL:** \ **Category:** Newbie Corner\ **Tags:** question\ **Created:** [October 31, 2026, 10:26am UTC](https://superreps.net/t/defauts-de-sneakers-lesquels-se-corrigent-a-la-maison-et-lesquels-non/31691 "2026-10-31T10:26:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![empeigne\_precise](https://superreps.net/user_avatar/superreps.net/empeigne_precise/32/291_2.png) [@empeigne\_precise](https://superreps.net/u/empeigne_precise)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2026, 10:26am UTC](https://superreps.net/t/defauts-de-sneakers-lesquels-se-corrigent-a-la-maison-et-lesquels-non/31691/1 "2026-10-31T10:26:06Z")
Newbie question: on the QC photos I see glue marks and a few loose threads. People tell me “that can be fixed”, but what exactly? And what can’t be fixed? [[PHOTO: Gros plan sur le bord d’une semelle avec une petite trace de colle et un fil qui dépasse d’une couture]] _Editorial summary, not independently verified._ ---
**Author:** ![semelle\_rebelle](https://superreps.net/user_avatar/superreps.net/semelle_rebelle/32/295_2.png) [@semelle\_rebelle](https://superreps.net/u/semelle_rebelle)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2026, 10:26am UTC](https://superreps.net/t/defauts-de-sneakers-lesquels-se-corrigent-a-la-maison-et-lesquels-non/31691/2 "2026-10-31T10:26:18Z")
Usually fixable, with some patience: - **Small glue marks on the sole** : they often come off by rubbing gently with a crepe eraser, no solvent at first. - **Loose threads** : trim them flush with small scissors, without pulling, or the seam can come undone. - **Box creases on the upper** : they often ease off with shoe trees. ---
**Author:** ![accro\_lacet](https://superreps.net/user_avatar/superreps.net/accro_lacet/32/271_2.png) [@accro\_lacet](https://superreps.net/u/accro_lacet)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2026, 10:26am UTC](https://superreps.net/t/defauts-de-sneakers-lesquels-se-corrigent-a-la-maison-et-lesquels-non/31691/3 "2026-10-31T10:26:30Z")
Not fixable at home: 1. a toe shape that’s too high or too boxy; 2. a misplaced logo or panel; 3. differences between the left and the right shoe; 4. glue that has stained the suede or fabric deep down. These are exactly the points to check before accepting a QC. ---
**Author:** ![basket\_discrete](https://superreps.net/user_avatar/superreps.net/basket_discrete/32/288_2.png) [@basket\_discrete](https://superreps.net/u/basket_discrete)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2026, 10:26am UTC](https://superreps.net/t/defauts-de-sneakers-lesquels-se-corrigent-a-la-maison-et-lesquels-non/31691/4 "2026-10-31T10:26:41Z")
And the glue smell on arrival? Does that count as a flaw? ---
**Author:** ![baskets\_et\_bises](https://superreps.net/user_avatar/superreps.net/baskets_et_bises/32/280_2.png) [@baskets\_et\_bises](https://superreps.net/u/baskets_et_bises)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2026, 10:26am UTC](https://superreps.net/t/defauts-de-sneakers-lesquels-se-corrigent-a-la-maison-et-lesquels-non/31691/5 "2026-10-31T10:26:53Z")
No, it’s common and usually goes away with airing. It’s all explained in [glue smell on a new pair](https://superreps.net/t/glue-smell-new-sneakers-how-to-remove/94). Same logic for soles that yellow over time: [yellowed soles, whiten or keep](https://superreps.net/t/yellowed-midsoles-reps-fix-or-keep-vintage/183). [[PHOTO: Paire de sneakers avec embauchoirs, posée près d’une fenêtre ouverte pour aérer]] ---
**Author:** ![semelle\_rebelle](https://superreps.net/user_avatar/superreps.net/semelle_rebelle/32/295_2.png) [@semelle\_rebelle](https://superreps.net/u/semelle_rebelle)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2026, 10:27am UTC](https://superreps.net/t/defauts-de-sneakers-lesquels-se-corrigent-a-la-maison-et-lesquels-non/31691/6 "2026-10-31T10:27:05Z")
One precaution: on suede and nubuck, avoid solvents and always test on a hidden area. A mark you can leave is better than a stain you’ve made bigger. ---
**Author:** ![accro\_lacet](https://superreps.net/user_avatar/superreps.net/accro_lacet/32/271_2.png) [@accro\_lacet](https://superreps.net/u/accro_lacet)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2026, 10:27am UTC](https://superreps.net/t/defauts-de-sneakers-lesquels-se-corrigent-a-la-maison-et-lesquels-non/31691/7 "2026-10-31T10:27:16Z")
To learn to read the photos in the right order before you reply GL or RL: [reading sneaker QC photos for the first time](https://superreps.net/t/first-time-reading-sneaker-qc-photos-gl-rl/189). ---
**Author:** ![baskets\_et\_bises](https://superreps.net/user_avatar/superreps.net/baskets_et_bises/32/280_2.png) [@baskets\_et\_bises](https://superreps.net/u/baskets_et_bises)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2026, 10:27am UTC](https://superreps.net/t/defauts-de-sneakers-lesquels-se-corrigent-a-la-maison-et-lesquels-non/31691/8 "2026-10-31T10:27:28Z")
Summary: 1. Fixable: small glue marks on the sole (crepe eraser), loose threads (trim flush without pulling), box creases (shoe trees). 2. Not fixable: toe shape, misplaced logo or panel, left/right differences, glue ground into suede or fabric. 3. On suede: no solvent, test on a hidden area. 4. Glue smell isn’t a flaw, it goes away with airing. _Editorial summary, not independently verified._ ---
**Author:** ![empeigne\_precise](https://superreps.net/user_avatar/superreps.net/empeigne_precise/32/291_2.png) [@empeigne\_precise](https://superreps.net/u/empeigne_precise)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2026, 10:27am UTC](https://superreps.net/t/defauts-de-sneakers-lesquels-se-corrigent-a-la-maison-et-lesquels-non/31691/9 "2026-10-31T10:27:40Z")
Thanks, that’s clear. I’ll check the points under 2 first before asking for anything.